National Police Memorial Day is celebrated on the Sunday closest to September 29. This year’s celebration occurs on October 1. It is a day to honor the dedicated service and sacrifice of police officers who perished in the line of duty. In December 2000, Officer Joe Holness discovered the day after his friend, a Kent officer, perished in the line of duty. Since the inception of the police force, approximately 4,000 officers have been slain in the line of duty, according to historical estimates. On this day, we honor their devotion to duty, selflessness, and valor.
The background of National Police Memorial Day
The earliest humans were hunter-gatherers. The violent characteristics of a predator were essential to the survival of our species in the past. However, as society progressed, it became an unwelcome trait that some of us just couldn’t escape. We needed to eliminate this trait from our gene pool. In a civilized society where violence and other behaviors such as theft, larceny, and disruption of others’ activities could no longer be tolerated, such traits became a nuisance. In response to this need, police forces emerged in every human civilization. According to popular belief, the first police force existed during Egyptian civilization. The evolution of police forces was in response to the evolution of the challenges they faced.
Even though contemporary police forces are well-organized, they must contend with organized crime networks. Sir Robert Peel established the modern British police force in the 1800s. Peel established the first professional, centrally organized, and full-time police force in London with the Metropolitan Police Act of 1829. The modern police force is comprised of zealous individuals committed to maintaining law and order. They are brave individuals willing to sacrifice their lives and time for the greater benefit of society.
December 2000 was a dark month for the British authorities. Jon Odell, a Kent Police officer from Margate, was killed on the job when a speeding driver failed to halt and crashed into him. When disaster struck, he was on traffic duty and aiming his radar gun at a speeding vehicle. He was dragged to his demise along the road. Joe Holness established National Police Memorial Day in his memory. It is a memorial day for all police officers who have perished in the line of duty since the inception of police forces. The day recognizes officers’ courage, valor, and sacrifice, as well as their efforts to better society.
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5 FACTS ABOUT THE POLICE THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Approximately 90% of all London police officerss do not carry firearms while on patrol.
Women make up approximately 11.9% of the U.S. police force.
Officers of the Royal Barbados Police are full-time Interpol members.
The French monarch Louis XIV instituted the first official, uniformed, and centralized police force.
Thai police officers are required to don Hello Kitty armbands as a form of punishment.
NATIONAL POLICE MEMORIAL DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | October 2 | Sunday |
| 2023 | October 1 | Sunday |
| 2024 | September 29 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 28 | Sunday |
| 2026 | September 27 | Sunday |
